WHEREAS, energy efficiency is the quickest, cheapest, cleanest
way to extend our nationís energy supplies, save money for consumers and the
country as a whole, and protect the environment; and

WHEREAS, further discoveries of traditional energy sources and
development of renewable technologies will contribute to Americaís growing
energy base, energy efficiency technologies and practices represent many of the
least costly options for meeting the countryís future energy needs; and

WHERAS, estimates suggest that the economy-wide net savings
from energy efficiency investments could be more than a half trillion dollars
over a decade as the cost of investments is more than offset by reduced energy
costs; and

WHEREAS, building codes and appliance efficiency standards can
accelerate the adoption of technologies that lower the net costs consumers
face; and

WHEREAS, insulation reduces average home heating and cooling
costs by around 20 percent; and

WHEREEAS, more than one-third of all energy in the United States
is used by industry and more than 40 percent if transport of manufactured goods
is included; and

WHEREAS, buildings consume 40 percent of the nationís energy
use; and

WHEREAS, despite challenging economic times, cities continue
to explore and implement technologies to improve the energy efficiency of city
assets and services, especially municipally-owned buildings; and

WHEREAS, cities view energy efficiency as a key part of their
strategic planning, with over nine in ten cities (94%) saying this is an
important goal of their energy strategy; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED that The United States
Conference of Mayors hereby calls upon the Congress and the Administration to
work together to make the issue of energy efficiency a priority and to enact
energy efficiency legislation that further promotes energy efficiency
throughout the economy.